When I started work at Simon & Schuster in 1958, each of…
“When I started work at Simon & Schuster in 1958, each of us got a bronze paperweight on which was written, in raised type, 'Give the reader a break,' Richard E. Simon.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Editors use symbolic gestures, like a paperweight, to remind creators to respect readers’ time.
In simple terms: Editors remind writers to respect readers.
Honor the reader’s experience.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- author meetings
- deadline management
- publishing workshops
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you honor your audience?
- What rituals help you stay focused?
Symbols may not change habits.